The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 84-82, at Cox Pavilion in the Las Vegas Summer League on Sunday.
In one of the most competitive games of this Summer League thus far, the Hawks (1-1) and Pelicans (0-2) combined for 13 ties and 14 lead changes in a nail-biter. In addition, neither team ever took a double-digit lead, as it came down to the final seconds. The assist-to-turnover ratio was decisive for the Hawks, as they recorded five more assists than the Pelicans, while committing four less turnovers. Three-point shooting also killed New Orleans, as they went just 3-of-20 from long distance.
John Collins led Atlanta in scoring, as he tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds on 9-of-11 from the field. DeAndre’ Bembry accrued 16 points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals. Taurean Prince amassed 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Diamond Stone led the bench with 11 points and five boards.
Cheick Diallo was a force for the Pelicans, as he accumulated 23 points, 10 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Quinn Cook led the team in scoring, providing 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals on 12-of-18 shooting. Jalen Jones was the only other Pelican in double figures, as he totaled 10 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with the Pelicans playing the Brooklyn Nets and the Hawks facing the Chicago Bulls.
